North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared that his country would not hesitate to “annihilate” South Korea should it face any attack, according to official media reports on Friday. This statement comes amid escalating tensions between the two neighbors, with North Korea, a nuclear-armed state, labeling South Korea as its “main enemy” this year.
North Korea has shut down agencies dedicated to reunification and dialogue and has threatened war if South Korea infringes upon its territory “even by 0.001 mm.”
Kim Jong Un emphasized the readiness to make a “bold decision that will change history” and mobilize all the country’s significant forces to eliminate any threat, as reported by the official North Korean news agency. He further stated that “peace is not something that can be begged for or exchanged through negotiations,” echoing a sentiment of defiance against diplomatic resolutions.
These remarks were made during a defense ministry event commemorating the founding anniversary of the country’s military. Photos released by the official news agency showed Kim holding hands with his young daughter Ju Ae, who some analysts speculate is being groomed as the country’s future leader. The images captured the duo walking amidst enthusiastic cheers from uniformed soldiers, as well as taking photos with military leaders.
Kim supported Pyongyang’s recent decision to officially designate Seoul as the nation’s primary enemy, describing it as a correct measure. He asserted that the decision to label South Korean “puppets” as the foremost hostile state and the enemy that remains unchanged, and to occupy and bring down their territories in an emergency, is for the “eternal security of our country.”
Tensions have been recently exacerbated by North Korea’s nuclear program and missile tests, which have been perceived as threats by South Korea and the international community. Notably, North Korea’s continued development of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles, despite international sanctions and UN Security Council resolutions, has been a major source of concern. The regime in Pyongyang, led by Kim Jong Un, has conducted multiple nuclear tests and missile launches, heightening fears of a potential conflict.
Recent provocations, such as the demolition of an inter-Korean liaison office by North Korea and the exchange of hostile rhetoric, have further strained relations. North Korea’s actions are often interpreted as attempts to demonstrate its military capabilities and assert its dominance, while also rallying domestic support for the regime. The situation is complicated by military exercises in the region, which North Korea views as preparations for invasion, and the involvement of international players, including the United States, which maintains a significant military presence in South Korea as part of a mutual defense treaty.
The ongoing tensions are not only a result of military posturing but also reflect deeper issues related to the legitimacy and survival of the North Korean regime, which uses external threats to justify its tight control over the country and its focus on military development despite economic hardships. Efforts at diplomacy, including high-profile summits between North and South Korean leaders and between Kim Jong Un and former U.S. President Donald Trump, have so far failed to produce a lasting resolution to the nuclear issue or to significantly ease tensions on the peninsula.